Spiders of Australia

Australia is home to world’s most dangerous spiders. Australia boasts over 2000 species of Arachnid’s. These eight-legged beings range from harmless creatures to venomous creatures that should be avoided, such as the Sydney Funnel Web, Mouse and Redback Spiders. These spiders cause painful bites that last for days. With the advancement in treating spider bites fatalities are rare. Nearly 4,000 Australians are bitten each year with 200 requiring treatment.

Spiders don’t just bite humans they eat insects and other spiders. They are essential in maintaining a reasonable insect population. Spiders can be used to control garden pest, as they kill more than they eat. They have outstanding prey catching techniques, from the ambushing spider to the web-snaring spider. Australian spiders are unique in size from the itsy bitsy spider to the large spider that frightened miss muffet away. The following resources provide facts, images, and treatment information for spiders native in Australia.

Spiders of Australia

Australian spiders are distinctive in size, mating habits, color, and in aggressiveness. These resources provide information on the most common spiders in Australia.

St. Andrews Cross Spider- The Australian Museum provides physical, behavior, and classification of the St. Andrews Cross spider.

Victorian Spiders- A gallery for identifying spiders by location, physical description, and type of web.

Spider Bite Emergency Line

With the medical treatment advancement for spider bites it is necessary to be able to identify the spider to receive proper treatment for a successful recovery. Treatment can consist of anti venom, antibiotics, pain reliever and ice. Australia’s three deadliest spiders must be treated immediately even though death rare; the venom can cause severe illness.

Brown Recluse- Information for kids on avoiding the spider and treatment to expect if bitten by the Brown Recluse.

Spiny Spider- Cornell University explores the physical attributes of the deadly spider.

Spider Bites- A thorough guide for all types of spider bites and explains what to look for to access if the bite is poisonous.

Management of Spider Bites- The Australian Prescriber investigates the methods of treatment for the deadliest Australian spider bites.